Pitt Faculty Advancement and Leadership Development

09/25/2026

Congratulations to the 2026 Dr. Larry E. Davis Awards winners!

These awards recognizes the exceptional contributions, groundbreaking research, and visionary leadership of faculty members who have shaped their fields and enriched our academic community.

This year's awardees are:
Chentis Pettigrew, instructor in the School of Medicine and Associate Dean for Student Engagement and Enrichment, won the Academic Icon Award.

Willa Doswell, School of Nursing, posthumously won the Academic Icon Award.

William M. Carter Jr., Judge J. Quint Salmon and Anne Salmon Chaired Professor of Law, won the Academic Excellence Award.

Karina Schumann, associate professor of psychology, won the Excellence in Mentoring Award.

Elena Baylis, Associate Dean for Experiential Learning and professor of Law, won the Excellence in Leadership Award.

Mylynda Massart, assistant professor in the School of Medicine, won the Excellence in Community Engaged Scholarship Award.

Lilceila Williams, research instructor in the School of Medicine, won the Emerging Scholar Award.

Femi Oloye, assistant professor at Pitt-Bradford, won the Emerging Scholar Award.

08/24/2026

As classes begin today, we want to recognize the care and preparation our faculty bring to every syllabus, lesson plan, and first day of class.

First days aren't only exciting for students, faculty feel it too. We're grateful for the thoughtful preparation that goes into every class, and we're here to support the development of our faculty all semester long.

Wishing our faculty a smooth and rewarding start to the semester!

07/22/2026

Last week, colleagues from across Pitt and Carnegie Mellon came together for Five Paths to Leadership® Certification Training led by Academic Impressions.

Academic Impressions offers practical, higher-education-focused learning experiences designed to help faculty succeed. The Five Paths to Leadership® Self-Assessment can help identify ways to effectively adapt leadership styles to a variety of situations and people. Thousands of leaders in higher ed have benefited from this model, which explores how one’s leadership style manifests under normal circumstances and how it changes under stress.

Learn more and take the Five Paths to Leadership® Self-Assessment: https://ow.ly/yQeC50ZrvH5

06/05/2026

Hey Panthers, PennDOT is replacing the Commercial Street Bridge to improve safety and mobility.

Expect a full closure for about 25 days this summer on I376 between the Squirrel Hill Tunnel & Edgewood/Swissvale (Exit 77) interchange. Tentative closure dates are July 10 – August 3, 2026. Expect and prepare for potential impacts to the Oakland area, as both Forbes and Fifth Avenues are being utilized for the Interstate Detour. Learn more about the project, sign up for alerts and plan your route: pa.gov/CommercialStBridge

05/03/2026

Congratulations to the Class of 2026! Crossing that stage represents years of hard work. And thank you to the faculty who showed up for our students along the way.

04/21/2026

Faculty at every stage of their career can face moments where the path forward feels unclear — whether building a research agenda, navigating academic life, or finding dedicated space to focus on professional growth. The Advance@Pitt Faculty Retreat is designed to meet faculty where they are.

From May 18-21, join us for our annual summer retreat and engage in intensive, applied sessions designed to produce real results and meaningful connections.

Open to all Pitt faculty, the retreat welcomes those at any career stage — from new and early-career faculty building their foundation to mid- and senior-level faculty seeking focused support and renewed momentum. Participants can choose the Research Track, the Professional Development Track, or both.

Retreat Schedule
Research Track: Monday, May 18–Tuesday, May 19
Professional Development Track: Wednesday, May 20–Thursday, May 21
Daily schedule: 8:30 a.m.–4 p.m.
Breakfast and lunch will be provided.

Space is limited. Apply by April 30: https://ow.ly/Rh3r50YNyJn

04/20/2026

Have you listened to Vice Provost for Faculty Advancement and Leadership Development John Wallace on Provost McCarthy's podcast?

They discussed how Pitt is prioritizing faculty success from recruitment to retirement through leadership development, curated resources, and community.

Listen to the full episode: https://ow.ly/bURf50YMPuY

04/10/2026

Pitt faculty: Ready to kickstart your summer writing?

The Office of Faculty Advancement and Leadership Development, the Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences, Pitt Research, and the University of Pittsburgh Library System are partnering to host the first annual Faculty Summer Writing Retreat, May 4-15, in Hillman Library.

Lunch will be provided and participants who complete the program may receive up to $500 to support research and/or creative activities.

Apply by April 16: https://lnkd.in/eKqXnbHi

03/25/2026

We join the Pitt community in remembering James T. Johnson Jr. and the meaningful contributions he made as a scholar, mentor, and colleague.

Dr. J graduated from Jazz Studies program and went on to earn a master’s and a doctorate in ethnomusicology at Pitt in 1988. He later developed the course "African American Music in the US," which he taught for at least the last 20 years, and for many years led a gospel choir at Pitt.

His impact will be felt for years to come.

The beloved educator used music to help generations connect to their history and identity.

03/09/2026

On International Women’s Day, we celebrate the scholars, educators, and mentors whose leadership strengthens our University community and beyond. Their work continues to expand knowledge and shape the next generation of leaders.